P.C. 187 – Ninjas Break into a Florida Home and Fatally Shoots its Residents

On July 9, 2009, Melanie and Byrd Billings, a Florida couple known for caring for special-needs children, were shot dead execution-style in their home by seven men who broke into the Beulah residence dressed like ninjas. The entire incident was captured on tape, which was shown in court Tuesday at the murder trial of the gunman.

The Billings had installed 16 cameras around their home to keep watch over the 13 children for whom they cared. Nine of the children were home the night when a red van pulled up to the house carrying a team of masked men dressed like ninjas.

Images from the cameras depicted a shirtless Byrd Billings and his wife as the masked men surrounded them. Byrd was shot twice in the leg by one of the men with a gun, later identified as 35-year-old Leonard Gonzalez Jr. The couple was then led upstairs to the master bedroom where it is alleged that Gonzalez fatally shot the couple as one of their special-needs children watched from within the room.

The men allegedly entered the home in hopes of stealing the family’s safe, which they believed contained upwards of $13 million. A small safe containing prescription medication, family documents, and some jewelry was taken from the house and later recovered in the backyard of a woman identified as a friend of Gonzalez’s.

Prosecutors argue that Gonzalez was clearly motivated by financial gain. Gonzalez’s wife, Tabitha Gonzalez testified that the family business, a martial arts studio, had gone under, leaving no means of support for their six children.

Gonzalez faces the death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder.

First-degree murder is a capital offense in California, which means it is punishable by death or a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. Murder is broadly defined in California Penal Code 187(a) as the killing of a human being (or fetus) with malice aforethought.

To be specifically convicted of murder in the first-degree under Penal Code Section 189, the prosecution must show that you murdered a person by use of a destructive device or weapon; by lying in wait or inflicting torture prior to the killing; by killing in a manner that is willful, deliberate, or premeditated; or by killing while in the process of committing a dangerous felony.

If you are facing murder charges, it is very important that you seek the knowledge and advice of an experience criminal defense attorney. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 40 years of practice experience in handling serious criminal cases that includes murder. We will work diligently on your behalf to raise the best possible defenses and ensure that your rights are zealously protected. Call us today at 888-280-6839. We will be there for you when you call.